Closing date: 9 Sept 2026
The Royal Society’s University Research Fellowship (URF) programme aims to support the next generation of research leaders to undertake cutting-edge research.
The programme’s objectives are to enable outstanding early career scientists to:
- Build an independent research career at a UK university or research institution
- Gain the freedom, time, and long-term flexible support to pursue high-quality and innovative lines of scientific research
- Develop as research leaders by offering tailored high-quality professional development, networking and engagement opportunities.
Eligibility requirements include:
- 3–8 years post-PhD research experience by the closing date (career breaks excluded)
- No permanent academic post
- Research within the natural sciences (engineering, maths, physics, chemistry, biology, and more)
Applicants can request up to ÂŁ1.87 million. Funding can cover:
- Contribution to the award holder’s salary
- Indirect and estate costs
- Equipment costs and research expenses including consumables, travel, etc.
- Contribution towards research assistance salary and associated indirect and estate costs
- Support for a new four-year PhD studentship(s)
- Relocation and visa costs for the applicants and their dependants (partner and children). The total grant cap may be exceeded in order to cover relocation/visa costs if this is well justified in the application.
Fellowships are for 8 years, with years 6 to 8 subject to satisfactory a mid-fellowship review at the start of year 4.
For more details and to apply see HERE.
